Systems, Devices, and/or Methods for Managing Securable Objects

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a cable. The cable can comprise a first end and a second end. The first end can define a loop. The loop can be constructed to substantially surround a post coupleable to the cable. The cable can comprise a first anchor loop and a releasably coupleable clasp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will bemore readily understood through the following detailed description ofcertain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanyingexemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system3000; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 4000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000, whichcan comprise a cable 1100. Cable 1100 can comprise strands of fibersand/or wires (e.g., metal wires). Cable 1100 comprises a first end 1110and a second end 1120. Second end 1120 can be formed via splicing, tyingand/or knotting fibers of cable 1100 back over a portion of cable 1100.A region of the splicing, tying and/or knotting fibers can besubstantially surrounded by retaining sleeve 1500. First end 1110defines a loop 1130. Loop 1130 can be formed via tying/splicing/knottingone or more knots in cable 1100. Loop 1130 is constructed tosubstantially surround an object (e.g., a cleat or other point offastening of a boat) coupleable to cable 1100. Loop 1130 can beconstructed to be coupled to an anchored object (e.g., the boat) suchthat cable 1100 can be used to couple the boat to a boat dock torestrain motion of the boat relative to the dock.

Cable 1100 comprises a first anchor loop 1200. First anchor loop 1200can be formed via splicing, tying, and/or stitching an end of a piece ofa cable (e.g., a rope). First anchor loop 1200 is slideably coupled tocable 1100. First anchor loop 1200 is capable of sliding along a firstportion 1140 of cable 1100 between first end 1110 and second end 1120.First anchor loop 1200 can comprise a metal or plastic liner 1210. Metalor plastic liner 1210 can be constructed to resist damage and/or failureof first anchor loop 1200 when first anchor loop 1200 is coupled to areleasably coupleable clasp 1300.

First anchor loop 1200 comprises an anchor loop sleeve 1220. Anchor loopsleeve 1220 substantially surrounds a portion of a cable segment 1230 offirst anchor loop 1200. Anchor loop sleeve 1220 causes friction whensliding along first portion 1140 of cable 1100 between first end 1110and second end 1120. Anchor loop sleeve 1220 can comprise a protectivesilicone and/or rubber material that can slide relatively freely along asignificant length of cable 1100. A cable segment 1230 between firstanchor loop 1200 and anchor loop sleeve 1220 can be formed by splicing,stitching, and/or knotting cable segment 1230 together. Second retainingsleeve 1600 can substantially cover a portion of cable segment 1230 tolimit exposure to environmental elements. If any damage occurs to firstanchor loop 1200, liner 1210 falls off, then system 1000 becomesunusable.

Cable 1100 comprises releasably coupleable clasp 1300 coupled to secondend 1120 of cable 1100. Clasp 1300 is constructed to engage with firstanchor loop 1200 to substantially surround an anchor point (e.g., a postof a pier), which makes system 1000 relatively secure when anchoring anobject such as a boat, raft, kayak, canoe, and/or a collar coupled to ananimal, etc.

System 1000 comprises an anchor loop retainer 1400. Anchor loop retainer1400 is coupled to, and substantially surrounds, second portion 1150 ofcable 1100. Anchor loop retainer 1400 is installed to restrict slidingof first anchor loop 1200 on cable 1100 beyond second portion 1150 ofcable 1100. Anchor loop sleeve 1220 is movable along a substantialportion of cable 1100 along with anchor loop retainer 1400. Clasp 1300attaches to first anchor loop 1200 to secure system 1000 to an anchorpoint (e.g., a post of a pier such that a boat can be coupled to thepier). Once, fastened and tightened, anchor loop retainer 1400 pushedagainst anchor loop sleeve 1220 to restrain motion of anchor loop sleeve1220 along cable 1100.

System 1000 comprises retaining sleeve 1500. Retaining sleeve 1500 iscoupled to cable 1100 in proximity to second end 1120 of cable 1100.First retaining sleeve 1500 is constructed to shield cable 1100 from oneor more elements of an environment of cable 1100. Second retainingsleeve 1600 is constructed to shield cable segment 1230 from one or moreelements of an environment of first anchor loop 1200. In certainexemplary embodiments, first retaining sleeve 1500 and/or secondretaining sleeve 1600 can be an elastomeric wrap, which can be resilientto the elements and can cause cable segment 1230 and/or second end 1120to be substantially permanent unless first retaining sleeve 1500 and/orsecond retaining sleeve 1600 are destructively removed from cable 1100.In other embodiments, first retaining sleeve 1500 and/or secondretaining sleeve 1600 can comprise an adhesive tape, rubber material,and/or plastic.

First anchor loop 1200 is coupled to cable 1100 via anchor loop sleeve1220 that substantially surrounds cable 1100 where first anchor loop1200 is coupled to cable 1100. Metal or plastic liner 1210 can comprisesubstantially entirely metal or plastic.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000, whichillustrates a more magnified view of a portion of system 1000 and ofelements comprised thereby.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system3000, which shows cable 1100 in use in securing a boat 1900. First end1110 of cable 1100 is coupled to boat 1900 at an attachment point, suchas a cleat (not illustrated). Cable 1100 is couplable to an anchorpoint, which is a pier post 1800 in the illustrated embodiment. Clasp1300 is coupled to first anchor loop 1200 to secure cable 1100 to pierpost 1800. First retaining sleeve 1500 and second retaining sleeve 1600act to shield portions of cable 1100 from environmental exposure. Cable1100 can be used as illustrated in system 3000, is a quick and efficientmeans to couple boat 1900 to pier post 1800.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 4000. Atactivity 4100, system components can be obtained. A cable of the systemcan be of a suitable length, strength, and material to operativelycouple a boat to a boat dock and restrain motion of the boat relative tothe boat dock. At activity 4200, a cable can be fabricated. The cablecan comprise:

-   -   a first end;    -   a second end, the first end defining a loop, the loop        constructed to substantially surround a post coupleable to the        cable; the loop can be constructed to substantially surround an        tie point of an anchorable object coupleable to the cable (the        anchorable object can be a boat);    -   first anchor loop slideably coupled to the cable, the first        anchor loop capable of sliding along a first portion of the        cable between the first end and the second end, the first anchor        loop comprising:        -   at least a metal or plastic liner; and        -   an anchor loop sleeve, the anchor loop sleeve substantially            surrounding a portion of a cable segment of the first anchor            loop, the anchor loop sleeve causes friction of the sliding            along the first portion of the cable between the first end            and the second end; and/or    -   a releasably coupleable clasp coupled to the first anchor loop,        the clasp constructed to engage with the first anchor loop to        couple the cable to an anchor point.

At activity 4300, the cable can be coupled to a post. For example, theloop can be placed around the post. At activity 4400, the first anchorloop can be coupled to an object. At activity 4500, the clasp can becoupled to an anchored system. In certain exemplary embodiments, theobject and the anchored system can be a single system, such as a boat.At activity 4600, the object and/or anchored system can be released fromthe cable and/or the post.

Cable devices, systems and/or methods disclosed herein can be used torestrain any movable object and/or system. For example, cable devices,systems and/or methods disclosed herein can be used to restrain boats,rafts, ships, sailboats, livestock, horses, dogs, cats, hinged doors,covers, tarpaulins, bicycles, balloons, and/or kites, etc.

Definitions

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanyingdefinitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented withoutprejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefinethese terms during the prosecution of this application or anyapplication claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose ofinterpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, eachdefinition (or redefined term if an original definition was amendedduring the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear andunambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.    -   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion        thereof.    -   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between        different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.    -   anchor—something that serves to hold or restrain motion of a        coupled object.    -   anchorable—capable of being secured to an anchor point via a        cable system.    -   anchor point—a substantially fixed object to which an anchorable        object is securable to via a cable system.    -   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.    -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.    -   associate—to join, connect together, and/or relate.    -   cable—a rope of wire and/or nonmetallic fiber.    -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.    -   cause—to produce an effect.    -   clasp—a device and/or system constructed to couple two or more        things or parts of the same thing.    -   comprising—including but not limited to.    -   configure—to make suitable or fit for a specific use or        situation.    -   connect—to join or fasten together.    -   constructed to—made to and/or designed to.    -   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change.    -   coupleable—capable of being joined, connected, and/or linked        together.    -   coupling—linking in some fashion.    -   create—to bring into being.    -   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of.    -   determine—to obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, and/or        ascertain.    -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.    -   elements—atmospheric agencies or forces.    -   end—a part of a device and/or system that lies at an extreme        portion of the device and/or system.    -   engage—to interlock and thereby hold fast.    -   environment—physical, chemical, and/or biotic factors that        surround and act upon a device and/or system.    -   fabricate—to construct from parts.    -   friction—surface resistance to relative motion.    -   inner—situated on a surface directed towards a center of a loop.    -   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.    -   liner—a full or partial sleeve, usually of a metal or plastic,        constructed withstand wear and/or corrosion, fixed inside or        outside a component.    -   loop—a portion of a cable folded upon itself so as to define an        opening between the folded parts    -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some        embodiments.    -   metal—any of a class of substances, such as steel, aluminum,        gold, silver, brass or copper that are crystalline when solid        and many of which are characterized by opacity, ductility,        conductivity, and a unique luster when freshly fractured.    -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related        activities for accomplishing something.    -   object—a material thing.    -   plastic—any of a group of synthetic or natural organic materials        that may be shaped when soft and then hardened, including many        types of resins, resinoids, polymers, cellulose derivatives,        casein materials, and proteins: used in place of other        materials, as glass, wood, and metals, in construction and        decoration, for making many articles, as coatings, and, drawn        into filaments, for weaving.    -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.    -   portion—a part of a larger object, device, and/or system.    -   post—a structural piece that is in an upright position such as a        stay or support.    -   predetermined—established in advance.    -   provide—to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available.    -   proximity—nearness in location.    -   receive—to get as a signal, take, acquire, and/or obtain.    -   repeatedly—again and again; repetitively.    -   request—to express a desire for and/or ask for.    -   restrict—to restrain within bounds.    -   retain—to hold something in place.    -   retainer—a device or structure that holds something in place.    -   segment—a portion of an object.    -   select—to make a choice or selection from alternatives.    -   set—a related plurality.    -   shield—to protect or conceal something from an exposure.    -   sleeve—a tubular part constructed to fit over another part.    -   slide—to move along in substantially continuous contact with a        surface.    -   slidably—capable of moving along in substantially continuous        contact with a surface.    -   store—to place, hold, and/or retain.    -   substantially—to a great extent or degree.    -   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.    -   surround—to substantially enclose.    -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles        of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the        collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.    -   tie point—a portion of an object constructed to hold the object        relative to an anchor point when engaged via a cable that is        coupled to the anchor point. For example, a cleat on a boat is a        tie point for the boat.    -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.

Note

Still other substantially and specifically practical and usefulembodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this artfrom reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detaileddescription and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It shouldbe understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additionalembodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations,modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within thescope of this application.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field,background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) ofthis application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as viaexplicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim,whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claimingpriority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular        described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or        element, any particular sequence of activities, or any        particular interrelationship of elements;    -   no characteristic, function, activity, or element is        “essential”;    -   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;    -   any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by        multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in        multiple jurisdictions; and    -   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the        sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of        elements can vary.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearlystated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range isdescribed herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includesall values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, suchas for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includesall subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14,1.93 to 9, etc.

When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, thatdrawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope. Noclaim of this application is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, UnitedStates patent application, book, article, etc.) that has beenincorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference tothe extent that no conflict exists between such information and theother statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of suchconflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claimherein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting informationin such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary,description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, otherthan the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by anypatent that issues based on this application is defined only by theclaims of that patent.

What is claimed is: 1-7. (canceled)
 8. A system comprising: a cable,said cable comprising a first end and a second end, said first enddefining a loop, said loop constructed to substantially surround an tiepoint of an anchorable object coupleable to said cable; an anchor loopsleeve, said anchor loop sleeve slidably coupled to said cable, whereinsaid anchor loop sleeve: is formed by a first retaining sleevesubstantially surrounding a cable segment; substantially surrounds aportion of said cable; has an inner diameter that is substantiallysimilar to an outer diameter of said cable; and causes friction slidingalong said cable; said first retaining sleeve; said cable segment, saidfirst retaining sleeve substantially covering a portion of said cablesegment to limit exposure to environmental elements; and an anchor loopretainer, an inner surface of said anchor loop having substantially thesame size and shape as an outer surface of said cable, said anchor loopretainer tightly coupled to and substantially surrounding a secondportion of said cable, said anchor loop retainer installed to restrictsliding of said first anchor loop on said cable beyond a predeterminedposition on said cable.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: an amount ofsaid friction is determined by a positioning of said first retainingsleeve relative to said anchor loop sleeve and a tightness of said firstretaining sleeve around said cable segment.
 10. The system of claim 8,further comprising: a clasp coupled to said second end of said cable,wherein said clasp is coupled to said second end of said cable via aclasp loop in said cable, wherein a portion of said cable adjacent tosaid clasp loop is substantially covered by a second retaining sleeve,wherein said second retaining sleeve substantially covers a portion ofsaid cable to limit exposure of said portion of said cable toenvironmental elements.
 11. A method comprising: fabricating a cable,said cable comprising a first end and a second end, said first enddefining a loop, said loop constructed to substantially surround an tiepoint of an anchorable object coupleable to said cable; an anchor loopsleeve, said anchor loop sleeve slidably coupled to said cable, whereinsaid anchor loop sleeve: is formed by a first retaining sleevesubstantially surrounding a cable segment; substantially surrounds aportion of said cable; has an inner diameter that is substantiallysimilar to an outer diameter of said cable; and causes friction slidingalong said cable; said first retaining sleeve; said cable segment, saidfirst retaining sleeve substantially covering a portion of said cablesegment to limit exposure to environmental elements; and an anchor loopretainer, an inner surface of said anchor loop having substantially thesame size and shape as an outer surface of said cable, said anchor loopretainer tightly coupled to and substantially surrounding a secondportion of said cable, said anchor loop retainer installed to restrictsliding of said first anchor loop on said cable beyond a predeterminedposition on said cable.